Shalako facts for kids

Shalako is a special series of dances and ceremonies. The Zuni people, a Native American tribe, perform these events for their community. They happen around the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. This usually takes place after the yearly harvest, when crops are gathered.

Since 1990, the Shalako ceremony and feast have been private. This means people who are not Zuni are not allowed to attend. However, a Zuni tribal member can invite non-Zuni guests.

The Zuni people believe the Shalakos bring good things. They are thought to bring good luck, lots of crops, and many children. The people who will play the roles of the Shalakos are chosen at the winter solstice. They then begin to learn the special songs and words they will say during the ceremony in early December.

The Shálako festival is a very important sacred event. It happens around December 1st each year. The ceremony takes place outdoors. It has two main purposes:

• To ask for blessings from the gods for new houses.
• To thank the gods for all the crops harvested during the year.

The exact date of Shalako changes each year. It is decided by the Zuni Bow priests. Traditionally, it was 49 days after the tenth full moon. But now, it is usually held on the weekend closest to that 49th day. This change helps Zuni people who work away from their Reservation and cannot take weekdays off. The official date is announced only eight evenings before the event. When the announcement is made, the quiet life of the old pueblo (village) becomes very busy!

The Koyemshi: Sacred Clowns

The Koyemshi are important figures in Zuni mythology. They are sometimes called "sacred clowns." There are nine Koyemshi, plus their father, Awan Tatchu. They go with the kachinas (spirit beings) and help explain things. The Koyemshi children look like their father. They are a brownish color and have marks on their bodies. Some of their names include Awan Pekwin (Priest-speaker of the Sun) and Awan Pithlashiwanni (Bow Priest-warrior).

Council of the Gods: Important Spirits

Before the main Shalako figures appear, other important spirits arrive. These include Shulawitsi, the Little Fire God, and his father, Shulawatsi An Tatchu. Shulawitsi is played by a young boy who carries torches made of cedar bark. He lights fires to prepare for the ceremony.

After them come Saiyatasha, also known as Longhorn, who is the Rain Priest of the North. Then comes Hututu, the Rain Priest of the South. They are helped by a Yamuhakto. All these figures are protected by the Salimopia, who are Warriors of the Six Directions. These warriors come from all directions: south, east, west, north, below, and above.

The Shalako: Main Dancers

Each kiva (a special ceremonial building) chooses two men for the Shalako roles. One man plays one of the six Shalakos. The other man takes turns in the role.

The Shalakos appear after the Council of the Gods finishes their journey around the village at sunset. They come into the village from the south, walking down a place called Greasy Hill. Each Shalako enters a special house chosen for them. Inside the houses, chants begin. These chants tell the story of how the Zuni people were created. They also tell about the Zuni's search for the "Middle" of the world.

After midnight, everyone enjoys a big feast. This is followed by more dancing performed by the Shalako figures. The ceremony ends at dawn. This is when Saiyatasha finishes his final prayer.

See also

• Dance Hall of the Dead